In 2017, the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) carried out more than 500,000 interventions for the benefit of the inhabitants of Paris, a number never reached before. The BSPP is very concerned by this operational over-solicitation, which mainly affects the field of personal assistance, to which must be added an increase in attacks against the city's "guardian angels". This altruistic mission to protect people and safeguard property is carried out by the 8500 men and women who come from all over France. Around the age-old principles of fairness, gratuity and efficiency which constitute the matrix of excellence of this military unit more than two hundred years old, the BSPP must prepare the challenges of the Parisian megalopolis such as Greater Paris and the 2024 Olympics in a context of lasting terrorist threat.

BSPP's response to exceptional situations

Paris remains a favourite target of the enemies of France. Therefore, since the latest attacks in November 2015, the BSPP has had to perfect its methods of engagement and increase its capacities to deal with the exceptional and be able to quickly take charge of a very large number of victims.

The possibility of a radiological, chemical or even biological (CBRN) nature of a terrorist action is taken into account. The capacity to detect, identify and measure the products in question and to decontaminate the people affected has been strengthened.

Although the BSPP is currently able to deal with several hundred victims in the event of simultaneous attacks on several sites, the evolution of terrorist operating methods concomitant with the organisation of numerous high-profile world events (World Cup football championships, etc.) has led to the development of a number of new terrorist methods.football in 2019 and rugby in 2023, Olympic Games in 2024) makes it necessary to plan for a "1 000 casualties" scenario and to prepare for it through very realistic exercises.This is a regular demonstration of the Brigade's ability to strengthen the interoperability of the various players under the authority of the police prefecture.

The adaptation of the BSPP to major State programmes

The risk analysis, which the BSPP conducts on an ongoing basis, combines the study of operational activity and the examination of foreseeable developments in its area of competence. It makes it possible to adjust the current operational resources (location, quality and quantity) according to risk coverage objectives (quality of service provided and in particular detection of risks).The SIDACR interdepartmental risk analysis and coverage system (SIDACR) is a reference document in this area.)

To respond to this development, the BSPP will need new rights-of-way capable of accommodating the deployment of new equipment, particularly in Seine-Saint-Denis.

In such a context, recruitment remains an objective priority, reinforced by the youth measures (VSC, JSPP, civil security cadets, professional baccalaureate, open school, etc.) and the operational reserve. As such, the BSPP is involved in many projects that can contribute to resilience ("saving gestures" in rescue centres, "young people have a heart" with the Paris City Hall).

The BSPP, at the service of the capital region, must also take up the many challenges of the 21st century: environment, urban change, cyber security, robotisation, digitisation of interventions, artificial intelligence... These tools can be a real opportunity in the face of increased operational activity. And the Brigade is constantly carrying out prospective studies, the latest of which are the extinguishing robot, the high-pressure lance and the captive balloon (imaging capability).

Most of these different challenges will be put in place before the end of 2023, in order to meet the new societal stakes while allowing the Olympic Games to be hosted in 2024.